A Double Life
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Movie Reviews of A Double Life
Movie Review: The fine line between the actor's stage and reality is murder....
Summary: 5 Stars
Here's a memorable Oscar-winning performance from one of Hollywood's finest actor's, Ronald Colman, in a story of jealousy, madness and revenge. In a role that was originally intended for Cary Grant, Colman is excellent as Anthony John, a celebrated off-Broadway actor who blurs the line between his character, Othello, and reality when he starts acting on the murderous impulses of his character. As a psychological melodrama, "A Double Life" undoubtedly stands out as a success.
George Kukor's direction is exemplary as he successfully juxtaposes Tony John's real jealousy over his ex-wife's relationship with Edmond O'Brien, while mirroring the wracked emotions and madness of Shakespeare's protagonist.
Colman convincingly protrays Tony John's progressive dementia from the get-go the minute he is offered the part soon after the opening credits roll. For an actor used to playing debonair and swashbuckling heroes in the 30's this role must have been a challenge for Colman, but a welcome one. He brings a nervous intensity to the character of Tony John that is never melodramatic but is realistically portrayed.
Co-written by the talented actress, Ruth Gordon (Harold & Maude), "A Double Life" showcases an impressive cast including Shelley Winters (in her first professional role), Ray Collins, and Signe Hasso.
The score by Miklos Rozsa, as well as the screenplay by Ruth Gordon and Garson Kanin, are both as memorable as the performances in this remarkable film. This DVD's transfer is markedly clean and lovingly restored from the original film negative and presented in the original 1.33:1 format in which the the film was initially shot.
Movie Review: Colman's triumphant role
Summary: 5 Stars
Ronald Colman was brilliant in his Oscar winning portrayal of deranged yet venerable Broadway actor Anthony John in the George Cukor directed "A Double Life". This psychological thriller based upon a screenplay by Ruth Gordon and Garson Kanin was a thoughtfully construed play within a play.
Colman was coaxed by Broadway producers played by Philip Loeb and Ray Collins to reprise the role of Othello. So consumed by the role was Colman that be began to exhibit the jealous and murderous rage of the Shakespearean created Moor in his real life. After almost strangling his ex-wife and leading lady Brita played by Signe Hasso while acting on stage, he suffered a serious break from reality.
In a fit of jealousy inspired by his press agent Bill Friend played by Edmond O'Brien's affection for Hasso he goes on a rampage. He visits waitress Pat Kroll played by a buxon and sultry Shelley Winters, a gal he had a thing with previously. Totally withdrawn from his senses, he strangles her in the same manner that Othello dispatches Desdemona in the play.
As Hollywood justice dictated in the 40's, Colman is made to pay for his crimes in a thrilling conclusion as O'Brien becomes suspicious that Colman was the murderer and contacts the police.
Colman's Academy Award was justly deserved as he demonstrated his proficiency not only as a well schooled Shakespearean actor but also in the role of the delusional Anthony John. Miklos Rosza's musical score also garnered him an Oscar in star studded flick.
Movie Review: Classic Chiller
Summary: 5 Stars
A few things came to my mind while viewing "A Double Life". Foremost the film's theme of actors unable to separate roles from reality foreshadowed the recent passing of Heath Ledger. The liner notes state that Cary Grant turned the role of Anthony John before Ronald Colman accepted it. No offence to Grant, but I think it a wise decision because I can't see him doing a better job than Colman. Essentially this a high-brow psychological horror film. If you like this film it would behoove you to check out the films producer Val Lewton made for RKO or "The Lodger" and "Hangover Square" from Fox. All around this is a first rate production. One has to start with Colman who gives a performance for the ages. His character is sympathetic despite the monstrous impulses that lurk beneath his surface. The script by Garson Kanin and Ruth Gordon cleverly juxtaposes staged horror with the real thing. Director George Cukor orchestrates the proceedings with originality and style. Though "A Double Life" pays homage to a maligned genre it's unlike any film I've seen before and should not be missed.Movie Review: Truly Incredible Acting By Ron Coleman!!
Summary: 5 Stars
One can only wonder at the phenomenal work here by Coleman, and the other performances are all first rate too! With some wonderful Broadway scenes, indoor and out, this movie seems harmless and amusing enough at the beginning, until finally our handsome, debonair actor (Coleman) decides to play the super-tragic anti-hero Othello. From there, this movies turns into a virtual Jekyll & Hyde character study, as he gets into his Othello role so much, it is practically inescapable. His ex-wife as Desdomona appears to be having her own affair with the theatre manager, and even though Othello and Desdomona are remar kably friendly (at least on the surface) depite their divorce, Coleman begins to get really overwrought by the situation, and we get a feeling his recent friendship with a aspring model/ waitress, played by Winters, will somehow come to no good. Playing 2 roles, one can only and think of Coleman's role: "Now this is truly an actor's art". And the whole movie is just about as perfect!Movie Review: In search of a personage!
Summary: 5 Stars
Anthony John (Ronald Colman) is a hard obsessed actor with his stage roles being incapable to leave them in the theater. His wife Brita (Signe Hasso) will play Desdemona. Suddenly appears a pathetically lonely actress Pat (Shelley Winters)who eventually seduces him. By opening night Anthony begins to feel the same jealous madness when he is suspicious about a love affair among Brita and the play' s a gent press Bill Friend (Edmond O'Brien). After a jealous scene, he goes in search of Pat and personifies Othello lines and the madness will occur, struggling in the real life to Pat until die.
These are the dramatic premises in which Double life unfolds. This picture works out as tale of opposing forces, mirror images and deadly doubles.
Illusion versus reality.
This was the only excursion of Georges Cukor in this genre.